Page:Women of distinction.djvu/144

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
96
WOMEN OF DISTINCTION.

fitted, and into which she puts so much energy. From the beginning of her chosen work in 1879 up to December 1, 1882, she taught in the public scools of Washington, D. C. , and was considered one of the best teachers then employed in the city. She resigned and was married to Rev. K. W. Williams, a Presbyterian minister, who was also educated at Howard University. This was quite an occasion, and was witnessed by a large number of people at the Fifteenth Street Presbyterian Church, Rev. F. J. Grimkee, D. D. , officiating.

In 1883 a parochial school, in connection with the church held in charge by her husband, was organized, which has steadily grown until now it exists under the name of Ferguson Academy. It is located at Abbeville, S. C., and is a co-educational institution for boarding and day pupils, and is presided over by Rev. B. W. Williams as president, and Mrs. Williams as principal.

This very modest Christian woman is also editor of the "Woman's Department" of the Atlantic Beacon, of which her husband is editor in general. This paper is sent forth in the interest of education and the general welfare and elevation of the race. She is also president of the Woman's Synodical Missionary Society, within the bounds of the Atlantic Synod. She has made public speeches in the interest of education, missions and temperance. In 1885 she represented the Presbyterian women of the South at the Woman's Missionary Meeting, in connection with the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of America, which meeting was held in Cincinnati, Ohio. She was also a representative